CRAI wonders Strawberry Blondes return after a few months' quiet with a gig in the Barfly, Cardiff, next week.

The Newport band, who were the first English-speaking band to be signed to Welsh label Crai, play the new Cardiff venue on Thursday, September 20.

The band have stayed home rather than play too many gigs in the last few months, preferring to write new songs in their distinctive pop punk vein. New material will be unveiled at the gig, songs which have yet to grace a single or EP.

Strawberry Blondes are going into the studio on Monday, September 24 until Wednesday, September 26 to record these songs.

They will be working with producer Gavin Moynihan who is famous for his work with Kat of Babes in Toyland. The screeching wonder Kat has been working with Gavin on the new album from Angelica.

Strawberry Blondes also play Rhyl on Saturday, September 29 and are set to announce new dates in October and November.

Last year the band sprouted infamy with a run-in with squeaky art terrorists Mo-ho-bish-op-i at a North Wales festival. After a disagreement between the bands, or rather, the drummer of Strawberry Blondes and the singer of Mo-ho-bish-op-i, blows were exchanged; the former laid out the latter. In true rock 'n' roll style the Blondes were led from the site by the BBC and had to drive all the back to Newport! But, as they say, it's better to burn out than fade away. l Tickets to the Barfly show are £3. Strawberry Blondes are on stage at 10.15pm.